Opportunity


I have the opportunity to purchase a pair of B&W 702s 2 speakers at dealer cost. Approximately 1/2 of retail. My current speakers are KEF R3s with the R400B sub. I have been thinking of a speaker up grade. I have not heard the B&W yet. Does anyone have any experience with these, and do you think it would be a substantial upgrade. My amp is a Yamaha AS2100. I play mostly vinyl on a VPI Prime with a VDH special cartridge. I listen to a little of everything but mostly jazz and classic rock. I wasn't really shopping, but this fell in my lap.
Any input appreciated.
chasda
If you can get the B&W at half of retail you should give them a try. If you don’t like them you can sell them. I doubt that if you did decide to sell them you would lose anything !
as far as upgrade goes its more of of a lateral move unless you really want the b&w. 
Don't be lured by the attractive, "percentage off". Yes, B&W have their fan base, but the majority of those that have either auditioned or owned them, find their sound harsh and fatiguing. Caveat emptor!

No.  I worked for Magnolia and got to hear the B&W 702s2 extensively and it’s really just an ok speaker.  IMO for $2300 the LSA-20 Signature is a better speaker all around, and you can try it at home for 30 days.  I’d definitely go that route if you’re looking for a big improvement.  FWIW. 
I didn't mention that I was offered these B&W speakers by a friend who owns an AV business that does everything from theaters to home automation. One of his deals fell through and he has these sitting in his warehouse. I can only choose from the brands that he deals with.. He also can get me Focal at dealer cost, but I'd have to order the model I want. I was thinking of ordering the 948s if I don't take the B&W, but I'd like to try and hear them. Once I order them, I own them. 
I'm sure the Magico A3 would be great, 
12K that's pricey. I'm sure a big upgrade.
I briefly owned the 702s2. Very detailed, sparkly, exciting, but atleast with my equipment upper mids were way too forward and I couldn’t turn the volume up because it would be detail overload. Like a rich dessert you can only take a couple of bites of ...if they were a couple notches closer to neutral I would’ve really liked them 
Congrats on owning a superb integrated amp.  I bought one for my son-in-law before it was discontinued by Yamaha.

As for the B&Ws, over the years I've owned a few of their speakers and have been satisfied with the results, but as a few people have posted, they sometimes do have a little too much at the top end, and can fatigue.  The good thing is that your amp is not at all harsh sounding.

Before I'd select any speakers, I'd first listen to them.  This equipment depreciates so quickly, for your "investment" to pay off, they must sound good to your ears.

Happy listening!
egr1953
Ironically, I purchased the Yamaha in the same manor. I was able to get it through a friend for dealer cost. I am very happy with it. Where I live, there are very few audio dealers. Best Buy is my only choice within 50 miles, its hard to actually demo a lot of gear. Most of my purchases have been through connections, so far I've done ok.